Casablanca – Morocco, the Mohammed VI Investment Fund (FM6I), BAB Consortium and Recipharm AB have signed an agreement framework to organize the transfer of Recipharm’s 10% stake in Maroc Biotechnologies (MARBIO) to FM6I and the Swedish company’s withdrawal from the project, on September 21.
The transaction remains subject to the fulfillment of applicable conditions and the required regulatory approvals.
The agreement marks a new phase for MARBIO after its partners spent the first stage setting up and launching its industrial platform for vaccines and biological products in Morocco. The company now operates a fill-and-finish site in Benslimane, where it carries out sterile filling and packaging for vaccines and biological products.
The project began in September 2021 under the initiative of King Mohammed VI. The partnership brought together the Moroccan state, Recipharm, an international Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), and BAB Consortium, which Attijariwafa Bank, Bank of Africa and Banque Centrale Populaire created to take a stake in MARBIO.
Over the past five years, the partnership has established the foundations for MARBIO’s industrial operations. Recipharm supported the company on technical, industrial, operational and regulatory matters, helping it develop the capabilities needed to gradually expand its activities.
The new agreement also sets out arrangements for the transition between Recipharm and MARBIO. The parties designed these measures to maintain operational continuity as the company moves into its next phase.
FM6I said the acquisition fits its role as a catalyst for productive investment and capital mobilization around Morocco’s strategic priorities. Through the transaction, the fund will support MARBIO as it develops its industrial and technological capabilities in a strategic sector.
The new shareholder structure will also give MARBIO a stronger national base as the company works toward long-term industrial development. MARBIO aims to contribute to Morocco’s health sovereignty and build an industrial and technological platform with a regional focus.
The company also plans to strengthen Morocco’s position in Africa and contribute to securing healthcare supply chains across the continent.
FM6I is a sovereign investment fund with an initial share capital of MAD 15 billion. It finances and supports strategic investment projects and companies in priority sectors to support Morocco’s growth, employment and competitiveness.
Founded in 2021 with share capital of MAD 1.4 billion, MARBIO is an international vaccine-focused CDMO based in Casablanca. Its Benslimane platform covers formulation, aseptic filling, packaging, quality control and batch release.
Recipharm employs more than 4,500 people and operates development and manufacturing sites in Germany, Spain, the United States, France, India, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.
